Kandy City
Kandy, a picturesque city in central Sri Lanka, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and scenic beauty. Nestled amidst lush hills, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a captivating blend of history and natural splendor.
Pettigala Mountain
Pettigala Mountain is a stunning viewpoint located near Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Standing tall above the serene village of Digana, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Victoria Reservoir and the surrounding Knuckles Mountain Range. The mountain is known for its distinctive rocky surface and tranquil atmosphere, attracting hikers and nature lovers seeking peaceful escapes from the busy city. With its mix of scenic beauty, spiritual aura, and easy accessibility, Pettigala has become one of the most admired hiking spots in Sri Lanka.
The region around Pettigala is blessed with rich biodiversity, featuring lush forests, tea estates, and native flora that thrive in the cool climate. Endemic birds and butterflies can often be spotted along the trail, adding color and life to the surroundings. The nearby forests of Kandy District contribute to the area’s ecological balance, reflecting Sri Lanka’s remarkable natural heritage and environmental diversity.
Hiking to Pettigala is an enriching experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. The trail passes through small caves, Buddhist shrines, and shaded paths, creating a blend of nature and culture. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Victoria Reservoir shimmering below. Many travelers enjoy meditation or quiet relaxation here, making it a place of both adventure and serenity.
The best time to visit Pettigala Mountain is between December and April when the skies are clear and the weather is ideal for hiking. The site is easily accessible from Kandy, with transport available from the city or the surrounding Central Province towns. Visitors can combine their trip with other attractions such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, or the Hanthana Mountain Range. With its blend of spirituality, scenic charm, and natural tranquility, Pettigala Mountain stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most captivating highland viewpoints.
About Kandy District
Kandy district is situated in the centrel province of Sri Lanka. One of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, Kandy was once home to the Kandyan Kings of yore in the 16th-century and a fountainhead for all the music, arts, crafts and culture in the country. About 129 km away from Colombo, Kandy is ensconced amongst a hilly terrain and all eyes are drawn to the centre of the city, where the Kandy Lake forms a charming feature. Kandy retains great religious significance for Sri Lanka, because it is in this charming city that the Dalada Maligawa or "Temple of the Tooth" is located, within which the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha lies well guarded.
The Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya is situated about 5 km to the west of the city centre at Peradeniya and is visited by 1.2 million people per year. It is the largest botanical garden on the island. The Udawatta Kele (Udawatta Forest) is a protected sanctuary situated in the heart of the city, just north of Temple of the Tooth.
Kandy is a Sinhala majority city; there are sizeable communities belonging to other ethnic groups, such as Moors and Tamils. Kandy is second only to Colombo the center of the Sri Lankan Economy. Many major co operations have large branch officers in Kandy and many industries include textiles, furniture, Information Technology and jewellery are found here. Many agriculture research centers are located in the city.
And a fountainhead for all the music, arts, crafts and culture in the country. About 129 km away from Colombo, Kandy is ensconced amongst a hilly terrain and all eyes are drawn to the centre of the city, where the Kandy Lake forms a charming feature. Kandy retains great religious significance for Sri Lanka , because it is in this charming city that the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Toothis located, within which the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha lies well guarded.
About Central Provincce
The Central Province of Sri Lanka consists primarily of mountainous terrain. The province has an area of 5,674 km², and a population of 2,421,148. Some major towns include Kandy, Gampola (24,730), Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela. The population is a mixture of Sinhalese, Tamil and the Moors.
Both the hill capital Kandy and the city of Nuwara Eliya are located within the Central Province as well as Sri Pada. The province produces much of the famous Ceylon tea, planted by the British in the 1860s after a devastating disease killed all the coffee plantations in the province. Central Province attracts many tourists, with hill station towns such as Kandy, Gampola, Hatton and Nuwara Eliya. Temple tooth or Dalada maligawa is the main sacred place in Centrel province.
The climate is cool, and many areas about 1500 meters often have chilly nights. The western slopes are very wet, some places having almost 7000 mm of rain per year. The eastern slopes are parts of the mid-dry zone as it is receiving rain only from North-Eastern monsoon. The Temperatures range from 24°C at Kandy to just 16°C in Nuwara Eliya, which is located 1,889 m above sea level. The highest mountains in Sri Lanka are located in the Central Province. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with deep valleys cutting into it. The two main mountain regions are the central massif and the Knuckles range to the east of Kandy.